So I have made these boxes too. One thing to remember is Tactacam cameras will run a 12v battery down to under 8 volts before the camera dies. You might not be able to recover that battery at that point. I am ever so slowly recharging one as we speak for that very reason. I had to start with very low amperage and work my way up. Life batteries with a battery maintenance system built in are a better idea so the battery shuts off before critical low voltage. But that will also shorten the working time of that battery. Nothing is perfect but the fun is in finding something that works! Thanks for the video!
@@mosquitok833 can also consider lithium batteries. As you said my batteries will get run down, at times I will put two in series to recover/recharge. So I do try to proactively rotate them for charging.
Good idea with the ammo box but why don't you show how you connect it to the camera. That's what I was looking for. How do you connect it to the camera in lieu of the batteries? Thank you
@@highway20ride checkout herd360. They offer cable systems for DIY external battery systems utilizing the ammo box. Just make sure it is the right cable for your camera plug.
@PassionfortheWildandWonderful About how long are they staying charged? I completely understand it depends on a ton of different factors, just curious how long yours are lasting.
@@thomascoenen5845 I have solar panels, but they are only good or long lasting that is in open/full sun areas to stay charged. Most of my camera locations are in areas with tree canopies and the 12 volt lasts much longer and addresses shaded areas.
We have been doing this same thing with regular cord an 12volt 12amphr battery in small plastic ammo box an cut foam to line bottom an sides an top! We Burry the Box a ft deep to help hide it and insulate from snow an ice. It’s also wrapped in a small plastic garbage bag before burried. Last for 3-4 months in Fall an over a month on Winter feeding site when deer are there non stop! This will be out 6-7th yr useing this external box. Worried about water to much just wrap in garbage bag we have never had a leak into box or hole where cord goes into box.
@@lodollar23 I would just reach out to Herd360. I think I saw they have the same connection on the 3.0’s, but someone reported issues working on the 3.0 vs it worked fine on all the other models they had.
Why does this not work with the new 3.0 pros? I have full charged lifep04 batteries 15amp, and I turn the camera on only To say its battery is dead. I have 2 different brands of batteries and 2 different models of camera only the pros will not work?
@@jakebordui3763 I haven’t bought one of them yet to try. Are you using the 4.0x1.7mm plug? 2 amp fuse intact and not blown? You might reach out to herd360 or Tactacam if it works with the other Tactacam models.
@@bmac947 depends on picture frequency. It’s at least a couple months for me even on a feeder with say 1-2 minutes delay. And normal application or picture rate it’s several months even in the cold. I love them. I set them and almost forget them. But they do recommend still pulling and fully charging on a routine frequency.
So I have made these boxes too. One thing to remember is Tactacam cameras will run a 12v battery down to under 8 volts before the camera dies. You might not be able to recover that battery at that point. I am ever so slowly recharging one as we speak for that very reason. I had to start with very low amperage and work my way up. Life batteries with a battery maintenance system built in are a better idea so the battery shuts off before critical low voltage. But that will also shorten the working time of that battery. Nothing is perfect but the fun is in finding something that works! Thanks for the video!
@@mosquitok833 can also consider lithium batteries. As you said my batteries will get run down, at times I will put two in series to recover/recharge. So I do try to proactively rotate them for charging.
Good idea with the ammo box but why don't you show how you connect it to the camera. That's what I was looking for. How do you connect it to the camera in lieu of the batteries? Thank you
@@highway20ride checkout herd360. They offer cable systems for DIY external battery systems utilizing the ammo box. Just make sure it is the right cable for your camera plug.
@@highway20ride you connect their cable to battery with alligator clips and other end plugs into the external jack of the camera.
Great video! Ordered my cable today!!
@@DrakeFamilyFarm thanks
Nice video. Great setup I’m sure it will work great. Hopefully you have a follow up video on this
Thanks for watching and commenting. I love this setup. It has performed great.
@PassionfortheWildandWonderful About how long are they staying charged? I completely understand it depends on a ton of different factors, just curious how long yours are lasting.
why not connect a solar panel?
@@thomascoenen5845 I have solar panels, but they are only good or long lasting that is in open/full sun areas to stay charged. Most of my camera locations are in areas with tree canopies and the 12 volt lasts much longer and addresses shaded areas.
We have been doing this same thing with regular cord an 12volt 12amphr battery in small plastic ammo box an cut foam to line bottom an sides an top! We Burry the Box a ft deep to help hide it and insulate from snow an ice. It’s also wrapped in a small plastic garbage bag before burried. Last for 3-4 months in Fall an over a month on Winter feeding site when deer are there non stop! This will be out 6-7th yr useing this external box. Worried about water to much just wrap in garbage bag we have never had a leak into box or hole where cord goes into box.
where do u buy the cable
@@herbprocknow3403 herd360
Do you think this will fit the new tacticam pro 3.0?
@@lodollar23 I would just reach out to Herd360. I think I saw they have the same connection on the 3.0’s, but someone reported issues working on the 3.0 vs it worked fine on all the other models they had.
@@PassionfortheWildandWonderful let me call them. I just ordered it. Thank you
Why does this not work with the new 3.0 pros? I have full charged lifep04 batteries 15amp, and I turn the camera on only
To say its battery is dead. I have 2 different brands of batteries and 2 different models of camera only the pros will not work?
@@jakebordui3763 I haven’t bought one of them yet to try. Are you using the 4.0x1.7mm plug? 2 amp fuse intact and not blown? You might reach out to herd360 or Tactacam if it works with the other Tactacam models.
It will work with 3.0’s. You just need to make sure you have updated your firmware and it will work.
What’s the fuse size?
@@tlock6430 2 amp mini car fuse
Do you have a link for the cables you used?
@@kylewheeler2150 www.herd360.com/products/elite-battery-box-wiring-kit
@@kylewheeler2150 I use the herd 360 setup for the Tactacam Reveal.
How long of battery life are you getting with this setup?
@@bmac947 depends on picture frequency. It’s at least a couple months for me even on a feeder with say 1-2 minutes delay. And normal application or picture rate it’s several months even in the cold. I love them. I set them and almost forget them. But they do recommend still pulling and fully charging on a routine frequency.